A humble set of photographs that changed how researchers, clinicians, and families talk about clutter — and why it’s more clever than it looks. Let’s start with a problem that’s easy to overlook until you’re sitting right in the middle of it. You’re a social worker. Or maybe you’re a therapist. Or perhaps you’re a…
The honest answer is more complicated — and more compassionate — than you’d expect. Let’s start with a confession. Right now, somewhere in your home, there’s probably a drawer you don’t open in front of guests. Maybe it’s stuffed with takeout menus from restaurants that closed three years ago, dead batteries you keep “in case,”…
A detailed guide for parents, caregivers, and educators Hoarding disorder does not suddenly appear in adulthood. In many cases, it begins quietly during the teenage years. At first, the behaviors may look harmless. A messy bedroom. Boxes of old school papers. Clothes that no longer fit but “might be useful someday.” However, over time, these…
If you or someone you care about is struggling with hoarding, you may have asked: “Are there any free or low-cost programs for hoarding disorder?” The short truth is: yes, there are some — but they’re limited, often regional, and may require effort to find. In this post, I’ll walk you through what you should…
If you’ve struggled with hoarding, you know the stress that comes from living in too much clutter. The piles of belongings may feel overwhelming, and the thought of letting go of anything can create real anxiety. Mindfulness can help. You don’t need to be a meditation expert or spend hours sitting in silence. Mindfulness is…
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re worried. Maybe your landlord has already discovered your hoarding, or you’re afraid they will soon. This can feel overwhelming. The good news is: you’re not the first person to go through this, and you do have options. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what you can…
If you grew up in a home where a parent hoarded, you already know it’s not just about clutter. Hoarding is about so much more than “messiness.” It’s about living in an environment where piles of things control daily life—sometimes even controlling relationships and emotions. For children, that experience can be deeply painful and long-lasting….
If you’ve ever stood over your trash can holding an old shirt, a broken mug, or even just a stack of junk mail, you may have noticed something strange—an overwhelming sense of guilt. You might ask yourself: Why does this feel so hard? After all, they’re just objects. But for many people, throwing things away…
If you or someone you love is struggling with hoarding disorder, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. The piles of belongings, the stress of letting things go, and the impact on daily life can make seeking help feel almost impossible. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to go through this…
Most of us have a little clutter here and there. But hoarding is more than just a messy room. You know someone might be a hoarder when their living space is taken over by piles of things they don’t need, can’t use, and won’t throw away — even if it’s affecting their health, safety, or…